Recount continues on school tax referendum

Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 9:37 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 9:37 p.m.

The Volusia County Canvassing Board met Tuesday for the second day of recounting ballots in the Volusia County school tax referendum.

The measure was narrowly rejected in last week's general election by a margin of 909 votes out of nearly 207,000 votes cast. Under state law, a recount is automatic if the margin falls under half a percent.

Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall said the recount, which started Monday, went from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and would continue into Wednesday night.

McFall said the difference between "yes" and "no" votes remains almost unchanged.

She calculated the overtime for elections workers has so far cost about $35,000.

Under state law, a losing candidate may call off a recount. There is no such provision for calling off a referendum, McFall said.

<p>The Volusia County Canvassing Board met Tuesday for the second day of recounting ballots in the Volusia County school tax referendum.</p><p> The measure was narrowly rejected in last week's general election by a margin of 909 votes out of nearly 207,000 votes cast. Under state law, a recount is automatic if the margin falls under half a percent.</p><p> Volusia County Supervisor of Elections Ann McFall said the recount, which started Monday, went from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and would continue into Wednesday night.</p><p> McFall said the difference between "yes" and "no" votes remains almost unchanged.</p><p> She calculated the overtime for elections workers has so far cost about $35,000.</p><p> Under state law, a losing candidate may call off a recount. There is no such provision for calling off a referendum, McFall said.</p><p> "Nobody seems to want to stop this, so I guess we'll keep counting," McFall said.</p>